Energy Matters’ solar installation at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) at the University of Wollongong, along with other features of the facility, enabled the building to become the first in Australia registered under the Living Building Challenge Program.
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Project overview
Location
Wollongong, New South Wales
System Size
150 kWp
Estimated Annual Production
197 MWh
Energy Savings (Year 1)
$31,300
Solar Panels
596 x REC 260W
Solar Inverter
9 x ABB / Power One
Mounting System
SunLock Flush And Custom Awning
Installation Date
March 2014
Pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, the SBRC was a net-zero energy and water facility and a leading example of distributed energy in the built environment.
The Centre provided ongoing research outcomes that benefit the solar industry.
The 150kW solar power system comprised two elements: a 120kW array on the office roof and a 30kW array on the north-facing awning.
The system supplied surplus power to student accommodation during the day.
The unique design was honed to suit stringent criteria, and the aesthetics of the awning array are an impressive example of the possibilities available to the solar industry when faced with challenging architectural designs.
Energy Matters also partnered with the University of Wollongong to conduct ongoing research to deliver real-world outcomes for solar in the built environment. Stage one of this research evaluated various cleaning regimes on the 120kW office roof system to determine the optimal maintenance program under Australian coastal conditions.
“The University of Wollongong and Energy Matters have entered into a collaborative agreement for the provision of solar energy services to assist the University in reaching its sustainability objectives,” said Lance Jeffrey, Project Manager UoW SBRC.
“Phase 1, comprising the installation of a 150KWp solar system, has now been successfully completed. We are now working on further innovative solar solutions with Energy Matters. These include further solar installations, as well as the establishment of a research hub that will focus on directing research outcomes for the benefit of the University and the solar industry at large.”
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